224 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [December, 



Mr. S. H. Barbour, in the American Journal of Arts and Sciences for 

 October, p. 227, notes some observations upon a young two-headed tortoise, 

 Chrysemis picta. The creature has its body of the proper shape, but has 

 two distinct necks and heads. The two heads exhibit complete mental inde- 

 pendence, being characterized by different dispositions, and the muscular 

 system of one side is directed by the head of the same side, while breathing 

 in the two is independent. One side may be asleep while the other is awake 

 and inclined to move, in which case only the legs of one side move. Hunger 

 may strike the heads singly, or a combined attack may happen ; in the latter 

 event, selfish endeavors for chosen morsels are observable. Differences may 

 arise which are settled only bv recourse to warfare between the two heads. 

 The monstrosity is interesting as showing mental milikeness where the post- 

 natal environment has been similar for two individuals. 



Report upon the Postal Club Boxes— I.* 



By QITEEN MAB. 



The character of the contents of the boxes of the Postal Club is usually 

 miscellaneous enough to afford something of interest to every member of the 

 Club. The imperfections of a slide as well as its perfections may often be 

 made a source of instruction. Criticisms will be made only with this object 

 in view. 



Box X2 is just received. Slide No. i is contributed by Jas. A. Close, of 

 Summerfield, 111., '•Trichina spiralis encysted in muscle of Albino Bat.' 

 The muscle was placed for a few hours in J"o chromic acid, then transferred 

 from weak glycerine to less dilute, and mounted in Price's glycerine. The 

 slide was re-mounted at headquarters, and is one of the best finished slides 

 in the box. 



No. 2, by C. H. Lavenell, of Englewood, 111., is ' Raphides of Juice 

 from Tradescafitia.' The contributor suggests that the plant receives its 

 name, spiderwort, from its mucilaginous juice, which is capable of being 

 spun out into a very fine thread. These crystals make a very fine polari- 

 scope mount. The slide should be whirled on the turn-table while the cut 

 end of the plant is pressed upon it. 



No. 3 is Cirrhosis of Human Liver, by C. E. Hannaman, of Troy, N. Y. 

 It was hardened in chromic acid and alcohol, cut in freezing microtome, 

 tinted with eosine, and the nuclei stained with h£ematoxylin. Then it was 

 transferred from clove oil to dammar. 



Nos. 4, 5, and 6 are contributed by T. B. Jennings, of Lebo, Kansas, 

 and are, respectively, ' Louse of Mallard Duck,' ' Parasite of Grasshop- 

 per,' and ' Foot of Tabanus bovimcs.' These were soaked for a few days 

 in carbolic acid, and mounted in either dammar or balsam. A critic sug- 

 gests that the parasites, like all objects of a similar character when soaked in 

 carbolic acid, have a greasy appearance, showing plenty of shadow, with 

 but little of structure. . 



*In previous volumes of this periodical there appeared numerous reports of this character, but of late none 

 have been published. Indeed, some new subscribers lately inquired how the Club was organized, which led to 

 the explanation given in the July number under the head of Queries. A friend who has furnished thi'; report 

 promises their continuation, but modestly declines to be known to the public. The publisher has therefore 

 christened this writer Queen Mab, and may, perhaps, be allowed to forewarn, in metaphor, the preparers of 

 slides for the Club boxes in the language of Herrick : ' 



' If ye will with Mab find grace. 



Set each platter in its place; 



Rake the fire up and set 



Water in ere sun be set. 



Sweep your house ; who dceth not so, 



Mab will pinch you by the toe.' 



